| Liposuction What
is liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat through a suctioning process. Although
it is not a substitute for weight loss, it is a way of changing the body's shape and
contour.
What are some different liposuction techniques?
The tumescent technique involves the injection of a large quantity of a medical solution
into a fatty area. The medical solution is a combination of drugs that numb the area as
well as shrink the capillaries and prevent blood loss. After the injection, a small
incision is made into the skin and a tube connected to a vacuum is inserted into the fatty
mass. The fat is then suctioned out.
- super-wet technique
Similar to the tumescent technique, the super-wet procedure uses a smaller amount of the
injected medical solution. After the injection, a small incision is made into the skin and
a tube connected to a vacuum is inserted into the fatty mass. The fat is then suctioned
out.
- ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty
In the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, a special tube that produces ultrasound energy is
used. This ultrasound energy breaks down the walls of the fat cells turning them to
liquid. The fat is then suctioned out.
Possible complications associated with liposuction techniques:
injury to the skin or deeper tissues
In the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, there is the potential of damaging the skin or
deeper tissues from the heat transmitted from the ultrasound device.
- irregular skin surface
Changes in the skin surface can occur after liposuction, giving it an asymmetric or baggy
look. There can also be changes in the skin pigmentation and areas that may become numb.
- greater risks if large areas are treated
The risk for infection, the formation of blood clots or fat clots, excessive
fluid loss, and damage to the skin, nerves, or vital organs is greater when large areas
are treated.
- lidocaine toxicity or fluid in the lungs
If the lidocaine content is too high, it may cause lidocaine toxicity. If too much fluid
is injected, it may cause fluid build-up in the lungs.
Who are candidates for liposuction?
Generally people of normal weight who have localized areas of protruding fat acquire the
most desired results, but patients who are slightly overweight can also benefit from
liposuction. The best candidates for liposuction are:
- normal-weight (or slightly-overweight) people
- people with firm, elastic skin
- people who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas
- physically healthy and psychologically stable people
- people with realistic expectations
Age is not a major factor, although older patients, with diminished skin elasticity,
may not have the same results as patient’s with tighter skin.
| Women and Liposuction |
Men and Liposuction |
| Women usually have liposuction performed under the chin,
on hips, thighs, and stomach, and in the under arm and breast areas. In women, the single
most frequently treated areas are the outer thighs, followed by the stomach. |
Men usually have liposuction performed under the chin
and around the waist, or in the reduction of enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia.
In men, the flank area or "love handles" are most frequently treated. |
About the
procedure:
- Location options
include:
surgeon's office-based surgical facility
outpatient surgery center
hospital outpatient
hospital inpatient
- Anesthetic options include:
- general anesthesia
- local anesthesia, combined with a sedative (allows
the patient to remain awake but relaxed) for adults
- Short-term side effects of surgery:
- Heat from the ultrasound device used to liquefy the fat cells may cause injury to the
skin or deeper tissues.
- The long-term effects of ultrasound energy on the body are not yet known.
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